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The Athletic | Evan Drellich ($): Now that the sign-stealing scandal has dealt significant suspensions and firings, the sport seriously has to think how it will move on. Baseball will introduce new protocols for 2020, which could include ending clubhouse visits for players in-game, or ending the use of video in-game altogether. The league will have to weigh the benefit of the technology, and the downside of the integrity of the game being compromised.
ESPN Insider | Buster Olney ($): Rob Manfred’s cardinal sign in the whole affair, though, was not being stern enough the first time around. The Red Sox were accused of the Apple watches in 2017, and instead of actually slapping the wrist to prevent more, he merely told the teams to stop doing it, allowing a permissive culture to bleed all the way to the present. That crucial mistake can be undone, but not before fans and coaches alike will have to wonder what is real, and what is scripted.